The Interagency Coordination Council took the decision that clubbing industry would resume operation from March. “As commonly known, the peak of Omicron strain has entered a downward phase. Therefore, it was considered possible to restore the operation of nightclubs from March 2022 by taking into account the stabilizing situation in the country”, - according to the government statement released on February 15.
However, clubbing industry will resume operations with restrictions, according to which 60% of the maximum possible number of guests will be allowed in clubs of Georgia. David Lezhava, managing director of the Cultural and Creative Industries Union of Georgia declares that restrictions imposed on the maximum possible number of guests is acceptable for them and deeply hopes that with the improvement of the epidemiological situation, this restriction will also be removed.
“It is very logical to open clubs in March”, - Lezhava told BMG.
Late last year, the Labor Inspectorate of the Ministry of Health fined and sealed several clubs. According to Davit Lezhava, they are working with the government to write off these fines.
"Works on abolishment the fines have started with the assistance of the Business Ombudsman's Office. These fines were also caused by incorrect communication. We were working on a system for opening spaces, in due time the government said that it was possible to work as safely as possible. Due to vagueness these fines were still imposed. We explained why it was important for these spaces to abolish the fines, which were already in a very poor financial situation. As you said, the office of the Business Ombudsman was working on this issue. This process has started and will probably end in our favor," Lezhava said.
